Joshua Lovering
Lighting Safety 1-5-18 Video and Audio Production Lighting Safety When learning any new skill, it is crucial to know the safety precautions and all dangers that could lerk ahead. Concerning the shop Video and Performing Arts of Southeastern Regional High School, there are many equipmental dangers that are related to picture taking and various other scenarios. One main caution when taking photos is lights, as there are many different types of lights, and many different dangers surrounding lights. For instance, one should know which lights are safe to touch and which are not to be touched, as if the wrong light is touched, one’s hand could be scorched. Although the danger of heat and other cautionary tales of lights seem intimidating and scary, lights are very easy to learn, so taking photos will not feel like a chore when using lights, instead it will make the individual feel intelligent and educated. Starting off with the parts of a light. The most essential part of a light is the lightbulb as it acts as the light source for pictures. There are many different types of bulbs such as LED, tungsten, fluorescent, yet the main lights that are dealt with are those of the LED and tungsten family. More specifically, the names of the lights used in this shop are omni, tota, and LED panel lights. Attached to the light are usually barn doors, which control the direction of the light and the lights shape, and a screen that covers the lightbulb so that oils from hands do not touch the light, as that creates a burning flesh smell on some of the lights. Continuing through the set up, the bulb will have an outlet receiver on the rear side of the light so that it can be plugged in to fuel the light. Now, the light will need to be placed on a stand of sorts to allow it to be manipulated and raised or lowered to the photographer’s liking. Lastly, if the light seems to hard, a diffuser such as an umbrella can be added to the light through the umbrella arm on the light so that the light can be softened. Although the set up of a light is very important, the preservation of the elements used in the lights is also very important. To properly maintain cables/cords they should be wrapped up in a circle about ten inches in diameter, and be kept in a safe place such as at the base of the lamp or in a storage container. Additionally, instead of trying to stretch out the light’s cord to reach an outlet, feel free to use an extension cord as it will allow more mobility with the light, and allow the light to reach farther distances. Most importantly, to prevent any mishaps, make sure that all wires located in areas with foot traffic are taped down so that nobody trips over them, or even use a rug to cover the wires. Not only is the preservation of cords and equipment crucial to lighting, but the preservation of the studio’s/shooting area’s outlets is also very important as well as nobody wants to blow a fuse and have to stall a photoshoot. To make sure no fuses are blown, when using lights one needs to know the amount of wattage/amperage their area of work has, such as a kitchen, or bedroom. Typically each room has a few outlets and each outlet registers in at 15-20 amps each. Knowing that, photographers can calculate how many lights they can have plugged into each room, to ensure that they will not blow a fuse. The lights used in the Video and Performing Arts shop known as Omni, Tota, and LED Light Panel, all have different wattages that need to be converted, or one could convert amps into wattage (converting amps into wattage is more efficient as it is one conversion compared to three). Since each outlet/circuit is roughly 20 amps each, the calculation for converting that amparage into watts will look like this: ( _____ watts ÷ 120 volts = 20 amps ). In the United States the voltage standard is 120 so that is why 120 is in the equation and the rest is self explanatory. Through solving that equation by multiplying 120 volts by 20 amps, it can be concluded that 20 amps is equivalent to 2,400 watts, meaning each household circuit is capable of administering 2,400 watts through its corresponding outlet(s). While taking in that omni lights register at 500 watts, tota lights register at around 750-800 watts, and LED light panels register at 40-60 watts, any photographer can now rest assured that they are not going to blow a fuse because they know the amount of wattage available in their outlets, and the amount of wattage each light source requires. Even if proper care is administered to each element of lights, there is still the inevitable, replacement. To replace a lightbulb, if you are a student you should always inform a teacher and not attempt the replacement yourself, but if need be wearing gloves is a must, preferably white cotton gloves, so that no oils are transferred onto the bulb. Wearing these cotton gloves also prevents the horrid smell of burning flesh and the potential for a bulb to explode, because those are two consequences of oils from skin being in contact with the bulb. Last, but certainly not least, of the safety precautions when dealing with lighting is accessories. By using a variety of items, a photographer can mold the light to be exactly how they want. From using makeshift barn doors out of aluminum foil, cutting fabric to create a pattern, or using an umbrella to cast a soft, diffused light, many different approaches can be taken when customizing the light in a photoshoot. However, to follow proper safety, one must keep all elements, such as the umbrella and fabric, at least one to two feet away from the bulb so that no fires or burns occur. Additionally, securing lights down is another important factor for photoshoots because if a light is not properly secured down, then it could fall, burst, and even start a fire. However, all of these mishaps can be avoided by employing a sandbag to hold down the light. Sandbags are usually placed on lights that are extended beyond 7 feet, positioned over the bottom inner-rail of the light’s stand. Now being properly versed in the safety and dangers of lighting the Video and Performing Arts shop and many photographers alike can use lights properly without fear of a mishap occuring. Additionally, now whenever taking photos, photography students of this shop will be able to properly avoid fuse blowouts and other dangerous events such as a light breaking, because they are properly educated on how to safely and confidently use lights.
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